"SNL U.K." Unveils Creative Team: Longman, Clare, and Jonno Johnson Bring Live Sketch Comedy to London
A trio of talented creatives has been announced as part of the creative team behind "Saturday Night Live U.K.", a British adaptation of the long-running American sketch comedy show. James Longman will serve as lead producer, while Liz Clare will helm the series as director. Daran Jonno Johnson, known for his work on Disney+ film "Wedding Season", has been appointed as head writer.
The news marks a significant development in the production of the London-set spinoff, which is set to launch on Sky and streaming service NOW next year. The show will feature a new generation of comedy players in its core cast, alongside guest hosts and musical performances. According to a press release, "SNL U.K." will have the same live, fast-paced format as the original, marking a significant milestone for British live sketch comedy.
Longman's appointment is seen as a coup for the show, given his experience working on "The Late Late Show With James Corden". The 2022 Emmy winner has stated that he is honored to be involved in bringing the legacy of "Saturday Night Live" to London. "After several years in L.A., it’s amazing to come back home to such a vibrant and exciting live comedy scene," Longman said in a statement. "‘Saturday Night Live’ has set the bar for live sketch comedy for half a century, and to help bring that legacy to London using our amazing on-screen and off-screen talent, along with a tremendous investment in U.K. production, is a massive honor."
Clare, meanwhile, brings experience in live events having worked on high-profile shows such as the BRIT Awards and "An Audience With Adele". Jonno Johnson's appointment as head writer adds to the show's creative firepower, given his work on "Wedding Season" for Disney+. The three will be part of a production team overseen by managing director Helen Kruger Bratt at Universal Television Alternative Studio's U.K. production arm.
The announcement comes just days after Deadline Hollywood first reported the news. With "SNL U.K." set to launch next year, fans are eagerly anticipating the show's unique take on live sketch comedy in London.
A trio of talented creatives has been announced as part of the creative team behind "Saturday Night Live U.K.", a British adaptation of the long-running American sketch comedy show. James Longman will serve as lead producer, while Liz Clare will helm the series as director. Daran Jonno Johnson, known for his work on Disney+ film "Wedding Season", has been appointed as head writer.
The news marks a significant development in the production of the London-set spinoff, which is set to launch on Sky and streaming service NOW next year. The show will feature a new generation of comedy players in its core cast, alongside guest hosts and musical performances. According to a press release, "SNL U.K." will have the same live, fast-paced format as the original, marking a significant milestone for British live sketch comedy.
Longman's appointment is seen as a coup for the show, given his experience working on "The Late Late Show With James Corden". The 2022 Emmy winner has stated that he is honored to be involved in bringing the legacy of "Saturday Night Live" to London. "After several years in L.A., it’s amazing to come back home to such a vibrant and exciting live comedy scene," Longman said in a statement. "‘Saturday Night Live’ has set the bar for live sketch comedy for half a century, and to help bring that legacy to London using our amazing on-screen and off-screen talent, along with a tremendous investment in U.K. production, is a massive honor."
Clare, meanwhile, brings experience in live events having worked on high-profile shows such as the BRIT Awards and "An Audience With Adele". Jonno Johnson's appointment as head writer adds to the show's creative firepower, given his work on "Wedding Season" for Disney+. The three will be part of a production team overseen by managing director Helen Kruger Bratt at Universal Television Alternative Studio's U.K. production arm.
The announcement comes just days after Deadline Hollywood first reported the news. With "SNL U.K." set to launch next year, fans are eagerly anticipating the show's unique take on live sketch comedy in London.